Special to Iredell Free News
EnergyUnited reports approximately 8,622 members without power within its 19-county service area. EnergyUnited has restored power to approximately 5,000 members since the storm hit early this morning. With additional crews enroute from Rutherford EMC, Carteret-Craven EC, Jones-Onslow EMC, Tri-County EMC, Surry-Yadkin EMC, and South River EMC, EnergyUnited expects a workforce of 160 linemen by end of day supporting restorations efforts.
As always, safety is a priority. We anticipate completing damage assessments today and will provide estimated restoration updates when available. Crews are prepared to restore power as conditions allow, keeping in mind that safety is a priority, especially during outages.
Everyone is asked to stay far away from downed or sagging power lines, as well as anything that downed lines are touching. Always assume that a powerline is energized and very dangerous. Debris can cover fallen lines, making them difficult to spot. Report downed, sparking or damaged power lines by calling EnergyUnited at 1-800-522-3793.
EnergyUnited wants you and your family to remain safe. Check on family members, friends and neighbors to ensure they have necessary emergency supplies. If you are using a portable generator, remember to never use it indoors and to place it in a dry, well-ventilated area away from your home. Generators should not be connected to a home’s wiring system, fuse box or circuit breaker unless a qualified electrician has installed a transfer switch between the generator and utility power in compliance with all state and local electrical codes. If you use any medical devices that you rely on, EnergyUnited encourages you to have an alternate plan. If needed, please seek shelter elsewhere so that your needs can be taken care of during a power outage.
Up-to-date information can be found on EnergyUnited’s Outage Information Page where you can view our outage map, press releases and other important updates. Information will also be posted on EnergyUnited’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
EnergyUnited members are asked to call 1-800-EUNITED (1-800-386-4833) or use the My EnergyHub web portal or mobile app to report outages that may result from this storm.
About EnergyUnited Energy
United Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is the largest electric cooperative in North Carolina serving nearly 130,000 metering points. Headquartered in Statesville, EnergyUnited provides electric service in portions of nineteen counties in west central North Carolina which include Alexander, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Wilkes and Yadkin. EnergyUnited Propane provides products and services to more than 25,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 74 counties across North and South Carolina. Visit EnergyUnited online at www.energyunited.com to learn more about our electric and propane businesses.